About Big Manitou Falls
Big Manitou Falls is a named waterfall in Douglas County, Wisconsin, located about 13 miles south of Superior. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Sunnyside 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°32′10″ N, 92°07′17″ W (46.53605, -92.12130). Historical sources also record the names Manitou Falls and Gitchee Manitou. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Interfalls Lake (lake, 0.2 mi) and Rocky Gorge (valley, 0.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Little Manitou Falls, 1.0 miles to the south.
Powerful 165-ft waterfall plunging down the side of a wooded gorge with viewpoints.
More Photos
476 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Big Manitou Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Big Manitou Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Big Manitou Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Big Manitou Falls holds a 4.8 average from 156 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Big Manitou Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Interfalls Lake — lake, 0.2 mi
- Rocky Gorge — valley, 0.3 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 46.53605, -92.12130. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Big Manitou Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Manitou Falls located?
Big Manitou Falls is in Douglas County, Wisconsin, about 13 miles south of Superior. Its coordinates are 46.53605, -92.12130 (46°32′10″ N, 92°07′17″ W).
What town is closest to Big Manitou Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Superior, WI, about 13 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Big Manitou Falls?
The closest is Little Manitou Falls (1.0 mi south). Others within reach include Amnicon Falls (12 mi) and Shale Falls (27 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Big Manitou Falls?
Big Manitou Falls appears on the USGS Sunnyside 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.